Saint Joseph Catholic Church

As Israel launched a major offensive in Gaza City, Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Gaza’s sole Catholic parish, from Castel Gandolfo on September 16 to assure him of his prayers and closeness.

“Sacred Scripture guides us on the journey from questioning to faith,” Pope Leo said, as he advised those suffering today, like the Psalmist, to “turn our questions into pleas, lamentations and supplications for the justice and peace promised us by God. In this way, we build a bridge towards heaven, even when it seems we get no response.”

The Pope also referred to the abuse scandal, saying, “The Church, some of whose members have unfortunately hurt you, kneels with you today before our Mother ... May we receive from Our Lady of Sorrows the strength to recognize that life is not defined only by the evil we suffer, but by the love of God, who never abandons us and guides the whole Church.”

Two women offered testimonies during the prayer vigil. Lucia Di Mauro spoke of forgiving an accomplice in the murder of her son. Diane Foley, whose journalist son was beheaded by ISIS, said that “Jesus and Mary became my constant companions” in her suffering, “along with countless earthly angels whose compassion lifted me up.”